Indonesia on Monday (09/10) began the country visit phase of the second round of an implementation review by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) as part of an effort to identify challenges and employ best practices to eradicate corruption in the archipelago. (JG Photo/Sheany)

Jakarta. Indonesia on Monday (09/10) began the country visit phase of the second round of an implementation review by the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, or UNCAC, as part of an effort to identify challenges and employ best practices to eradicate corruption in the archipelago.

"A single government cannot deal with [the challenges of corruption] on its own, they must be tackled comprehensively by involving all members of the international community," Febrian A. Ruddyard, director of multilateral cooperation at Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, said at a press conference.

Indonesia ratified UNCAC in 2006, after signing the international agreement in 2003.

The country's first implementation review was conducted by government experts from Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom, covering criminalization and law enforcement, as well as international cooperation within the Convention.

Indonesia received 32 recommendations after the first review, with 25 of those concerning the country's legislation — including on corruption, extradition and asset recovery.

According to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), only eight recommendations have so far been implemented.

The second review will be conducted by two government experts, Charles Ayamdoo from Ghana and Ebtihag Al-Kamal from Yemen, along with Tanja Santucci and Mohamed Cherbal, representatives from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

It will cover preventive measures and asset recovery, with participation from 25 ministries and institutions.

KPK deputy chairman Laode Muhammad Syarif said the review "seeks to discover Indonesia’s strengths and weaknesses" in the fight against corruption, and to identify aspects of the convention that the country has yet to fulfill.

"We are not here to find fault, our main aim is to exchange views, best practices and knowledge to contribute to the global fight against corruption," Ayamdoo said.

Syarif emphasized the importance of coordinating with other institutions, such as with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), to maximize early warning and detection, and to fully implement UNCAC.

Santucci said the review, which will look at existing legal institutional framework and overall effectiveness of current measures, is an "important opportunity to improve systems and mechanisms that are in place and to enhance domestic coordination."

She added that "active participation" in platforms such as the Conference of the States Parties — a platform for "practitioners to come together to discuss challenges and issues," and identify common challenges to international cooperation and asset recovery — is key for countries seeking to comply to the convention.

Results of the review will be handed to the Indonesian government, which will be responsible in coordinating with the legislative bodies to ensure that national legislations accord to the provisions of the convention.